26 U.S. Code § 6323 - Validity and priority against certain persons

The lien imposed by section
6321 shall not be valid as against any purchaser, holder of a security interest, mechanic’s lienor, or judgment lien creditor until notice thereof which meets the requirements of subsection (f) has been filed by the Secretary.

(b) Protection for certain interests even though notice filed

Even though notice of a lien imposed by section
6321 has been filed, such lien shall not be valid—

(1) Securities

With respect to a security (as defined in subsection (h)(4))—

(A)as against a purchaser of such security who at the time of purchase did not have actual notice or knowledge of the existence of such lien; and

(B)as against a holder of a security interest in such security who, at the time such interest came into existence, did not have actual notice or knowledge of the existence of such lien.

(2) Motor vehicles

With respect to a motor vehicle (as defined in subsection (h)(3)), as against a purchaser of such motor vehicle, if—

(A)at the time of the purchase such purchaser did not have actual notice or knowledge of the existence of such lien, and

(B)before the purchaser obtains such notice or knowledge, he has acquired possession of such motor vehicle and has not thereafter relinquished possession of such motor vehicle to the seller or his agent.

(3) Personal property purchased at retail

With respect to tangible personal property purchased at retail, as against a purchaser in the ordinary course of the seller’s trade or business, unless at the time of such purchase such purchaser intends such purchase to (or knows such purchase will) hinder, evade, or defeat the collection of any tax under this title.

(4) Personal property purchased in casual sale

With respect to household goods, personal effects, or other tangible personal property described in section
6334(a) purchased (not for resale) in a casual sale for less than $1,000, as against the purchaser, but only if such purchaser does not have actual notice or knowledge

(A) of the existence of such lien, or

(B) that this sale is one of a series of sales.

(5) Personal property subject to possessory lien

With respect to tangible personal property subject to a lien under local law securing the reasonable price of the repair or improvement of such property, as against a holder of such a lien, if such holder is, and has been, continuously in possession of such property from the time such lien arose.

(6) Real property tax and special assessment liens

With respect to real property, as against a holder of a lien upon such property, if such lien is entitled under local law to priority over security interests in such property which are prior in time, and such lien secures payment of—

(A)a tax of general application levied by any taxing authority based upon the value of such property;

(B)a special assessment imposed directly upon such property by any taxing authority, if such assessment is imposed for the purpose of defraying the cost of any public improvement; or

(C)charges for utilities or public services furnished to such property by the United States, a State or political subdivision thereof, or an instrumentality of any one or more of the foregoing.

(7) Residential property subject to a mechanic’s lien for certain repairs and improvements

With respect to real property subject to a lien for repair or improvement of a personal residence (containing not more than four dwelling units) occupied by the owner of such residence, as against a mechanic’s lienor, but only if the contract price on the contract with the owner is not more than $5,000.

(8) Attorneys’ liens

With respect to a judgment or other amount in settlement of a claim or of a cause of action, as against an attorney who, under local law, holds a lien upon or a contract enforcible against such judgment or amount, to the extent of his reasonable compensation for obtaining such judgment or procuring such settlement, except that this paragraph shall not apply to any judgment or amount in settlement of a claim or of a cause of action against the United States to the extent that the United States offsets such judgment or amount against any liability of the taxpayer to the United States.

(9) Certain insurance contracts

With respect to a life insurance, endowment, or annuity contract, as against the organization which is the insurer under such contract, at any time—

(A)before such organization had actual notice or knowledge of the existence of such lien;

(B)after such organization had such notice or knowledge, with respect to advances required to be made automatically to maintain such contract in force under an agreement entered into before such organization had such notice or knowledge; or

(C)after satisfaction of a levy pursuant to section
6332(b), unless and until the Secretary delivers to such organization a notice, executed after the date of such satisfaction, of the existence of such lien.

(10) Deposit-secured loans

With respect to a savings deposit, share, or other account with an institution described in section
581 or
591, to the extent of any loan made by such institution without actual notice or knowledge of the existence of such lien, as against such institution, if such loan is secured by such account.

To the extent provided in this subsection, even though notice of a lien imposed by section
6321 has been filed, such lien shall not be valid with respect to a security interest which came into existence after tax lien filing but which—

(A)is in qualified property covered by the terms of a written agreement entered into before tax lien filing and constituting—

(B)is protected under local law against a judgment lien arising, as of the time of tax lien filing, out of an unsecured obligation.

(2) Commercial transactions financing agreement

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) Definition

The term “commercial transactions financing agreement” means an agreement (entered into by a person in the course of his trade or business)—

(i)to make loans to the taxpayer to be secured by commercial financing security acquired by the taxpayer in the ordinary course of his trade or business, or

(ii)to purchase commercial financing security (other than inventory) acquired by the taxpayer in the ordinary course of his trade or business;

but such an agreement shall be treated as coming within the term only to the extent that such loan or purchase is made before the 46th day after the date of tax lien filing or (if earlier) before the lender or purchaser had actual notice or knowledge of such tax lien filing.

(B) Limitation on qualified property

The term “qualified property”, when used with respect to a commercial transactions financing agreement, includes only commercial financing security acquired by the taxpayer before the 46th day after the date of tax lien filing.

(C) Commercial financing security defined

The term “commercial financing security” means

(i) paper of a kind ordinarily arising in commercial transactions,

(ii) accounts receivable,

(iii) mortgages on real property, and

(iv) inventory.

(D) Purchaser treated as acquiring security interest

A person who satisfies subparagraph (A) by reason of clause (ii) thereof shall be treated as having acquired a security interest in commercial financing security

(3) Real property construction or improvement financing agreement

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) Definition

The term “real property construction or improvement financing agreement” means an agreement to make cash disbursements to finance—

(i)the construction or improvement of real property,

(ii)a contract to construct or improve real property, or

(iii)the raising or harvesting of a farm crop or the raising of livestock or other animals.

For purposes of clause (iii), the furnishing of goods and services shall be treated as the disbursement of cash.

(B) Limitation on qualified property

The term “qualified property”, when used with respect to a real property construction or improvement financing agreement, includes only—

(i)in the case of subparagraph (A)(i), the real property with respect to which the construction or improvement has been or is to be made,

(ii)in the case of subparagraph (A)(ii), the proceeds of the contract described therein, and

(iii)in the case of subparagraph (A)(iii), property subject to the lien imposed by section
6321 at the time of tax lien filing and the crop or the livestock or other animals referred to in subparagraph (A)(iii).

(4) Obligatory disbursement agreement

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) Definition

The term “obligatory disbursement agreement” means an agreement (entered into by a person in the course of his trade or business) to make disbursements, but such an agreement shall be treated as coming within the term only to the extent of disbursements which are required to be made by reason of the intervention of the rights of a person other than the taxpayer.

(B) Limitation on qualified property

The term “qualified property”, when used with respect to an obligatory disbursement agreement, means property subject to the lien imposed by section
6321 at the time of tax lien filing and (to the extent that the acquisition is directly traceable to the disbursements referred to in subparagraph (A)) property acquired by the taxpayer after tax lien filing.

(C) Special rules for surety agreements

Where the obligatory disbursement agreement is an agreement ensuring the performance of a contract between the taxpayer and another person—

(i)the term “qualified property” shall be treated as also including the proceeds of the contract the performance of which was ensured, and

(ii)if the contract the performance of which was ensured was a contract to construct or improve real property, to produce goods, or to furnish services, the term “qualified property” shall be treated as also including any tangible personal property used by the taxpayer in the performance of such ensured contract.

(d) 45-day period for making disbursements

Even though notice of a lien imposed by section
6321 has been filed, such lien shall not be valid with respect to a security interest which came into existence after tax lien filing by reason of disbursements made before the 46th day after the date of tax lien filing, or (if earlier) before the person making such disbursements had actual notice or knowledge of tax lien filing, but only if such security interest—

(1)is in property (A) subject, at the time of tax lien filing, to the lien imposed by section
6321, and (B) covered by the terms of a written agreement entered into before tax lien filing, and

(2)is protected under local law against a judgment lien arising, as of the time of tax lien filing, out of an unsecured obligation.

(e) Priority of interest and expenses

If the lien imposed by section
6321 is not valid as against a lien or security interest, the priority of such lien or security interest shall extend to—

(1)any interest or carrying charges upon the obligation secured,

(2)the reasonable charges and expenses of an indenture trustee or agent holding the security interest for the benefit of the holder of the security interest,

(4)the reasonable costs of insuring, preserving, or repairing the property to which the lien or security interest relates,

(5)the reasonable costs of insuring payment of the obligation secured, and

(6)amounts paid to satisfy any lien on the property to which the lien or security interest relates, but only if the lien so satisfied is entitled to priority over the lien imposed by section
6321,

to the extent that, under local law, any such item has the same priority as the lien or security interest to which it relates.

(f) Place for filing notice; form

(1) Place for filing

The notice referred to in subsection (a) shall be filed—

(A) Under State laws

(i)Real property
In the case of real property, in one office within the State (or the county, or other governmental subdivision), as designated by the laws of such State, in which the property subject to the lien is situated; and

(ii)Personal property
In the case of personal property, whether tangible or intangible, in one office within the State (or the county, or other governmental subdivision), as designated by the laws of such State, in which the property subject to the lien is situated, except that State law merely conforming to or reenacting Federal law establishing a national filing system does not constitute a second office for filing as designated by the laws of such State; or

(B) With clerk of district court

In the office of the clerk of the United States district court for the judicial district in which the property subject to the lien is situated, whenever the State has not by law designated one office which meets the requirements of subparagraph (A); or

(C) With Recorder of Deeds of the District of Columbia

In the office of the Recorder of Deeds of the District of Columbia, if the property subject to the lien is situated in the District of Columbia.

(2) Situs of property subject to lien

For purposes of paragraphs (1) and (4), property shall be deemed to be situated—

(A) Real property

In the case of real property, at its physical location; or

(B) Personal property

In the case of personal property, whether tangible or intangible, at the residence of the taxpayer at the time the notice of lien is filed.

For purposes of paragraph (2)(B), the residence of a corporation or partnership shall be deemed to be the place at which the principal executive office of the business is located, and the residence of a taxpayer whose residence is without the United States shall be deemed to be in the District of Columbia.

(3) Form

The form and content of the notice referred to in subsection (a) shall be prescribed by the Secretary. Such notice shall be valid notwithstanding any other provision of law regarding the form or content of a notice of lien.

(4) Indexing required with respect to certain real property

In the case of real property, if—

(A)under the laws of the State in which the real property is located, a deed is not valid as against a purchaser of the property who (at the time of purchase) does not have actual notice or knowledge of the existence of such deed unless the fact of filing of such deed has been entered and recorded in a public index at the place of filing in such a manner that a reasonable inspection of the index will reveal the existence of the deed, and

(B)there is maintained (at the applicable office under paragraph (1)) an adequate system for the public indexing of Federal tax liens,

then the notice of lien referred to in subsection (a) shall not be treated as meeting the filing requirements under paragraph (1) unless the fact of filing is entered and recorded in the index referred to in subparagraph (B) in such a manner that a reasonable inspection of the index will reveal the existence of the lien.

(5) National filing systems

The filing of a notice of lien shall be governed solely by this title and shall not be subject to any other Federal law establishing a place or places for the filing of liens or encumbrances under a national filing system.

(g) Refiling of notice

For purposes of this section—

(1) General rule

Unless notice of lien is refiled in the manner prescribed in paragraph (2) during the required refiling period, such notice of lien shall be treated as filed on the date on which it is filed (in accordance with subsection (f)) after the expiration of such refiling period.

(2) Place for filing

A notice of lien refiled during the required refiling period shall be effective only—

(A)if—

(i)such notice of lien is refiled in the office in which the prior notice of lien was filed, and

(ii)in the case of real property, the fact of refiling is entered and recorded in an index to the extent required by subsection (f)(4); and

(B)in any case in which, 90 days or more prior to the date of a refiling of notice of lien under subparagraph (A), the Secretary received written information (in the manner prescribed in regulations issued by the Secretary) concerning a change in the taxpayer’s residence, if a notice of such lien is also filed in accordance with subsection (f) in the State in which such residence is located.

(3) Required refiling period

In the case of any notice of lien, the term “required refiling period” means—

(A)the one-year period ending 30 days after the expiration of 10 years after the date of the assessment of the tax, and

(B)the one-year period ending with the expiration of 10 years after the close of the preceding required refiling period for such notice of lien.

(4) Transitional rule

Notwithstanding paragraph (3), if the assessment of the tax was made before January 1, 1962, the first required refiling period shall be the calendar year 1967.

The term “security interest” means any interest in property acquired by contract for the purpose of securing payment or performance of an obligation or indemnifying against loss or liability. A security interest exists at any time

(A) if, at such time, the property is in existence and the interest has become protected under local law against a subsequent judgment lien arising out of an unsecured obligation, and

(B) to the extent that, at such time, the holder has parted with money or money’s worth.

(2) Mechanic’s lienor

The term “mechanic’s lienor” means any person who under local law has a lien on real property (or on the proceeds of a contract relating to real property) for services, labor, or materials furnished in connection with the construction or improvement of such property. For purposes of the preceding sentence, a person has a lien on the earliest date such lien becomes valid under local law against subsequent purchasers without actual notice, but not before he begins to furnish the services, labor, or materials.

(3) Motor vehicle

The term “motor vehicle” means a self-propelled vehicle which is registered for highway use under the laws of any State or foreign country.

(4) Security

The term “security” means any bond, debenture, note, or certificate or other evidence of indebtedness, issued by a corporation or a government or political subdivision thereof, with interest coupons or in registered form, share of stock, voting trust certificate, or any certificate of interest or participation in, certificate of deposit or receipt for, temporary or interim certificate for, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing; negotiable instrument; or money.

(5) Tax lien filing

The term “tax lien filing” means the filing of notice (referred to in subsection (a)) of the lien imposed by section
6321.

(6) Purchaser

The term “purchaser” means a person who, for adequate and full consideration in money or money’s worth, acquires an interest (other than a lien or security interest) in property which is valid under local law against subsequent purchasers without actual notice. In applying the preceding sentence for purposes of subsection (a) of this section, and for purposes of section
6324—

(A)a lease of property,

(B)a written executory contract to purchase or lease property,

(C)an option to purchase or lease property or any interest therein, or

(D)an option to renew or extend a lease of property,

which is not a lien or security interest shall be treated as an interest in property.

(i) Special rules

(1) Actual notice or knowledge

For purposes of this subchapter, an organization shall be deemed for purposes of a particular transaction to have actual notice or knowledge of any fact from the time such fact is brought to the attention of the individual conducting such transaction, and in any event from the time such fact would have been brought to such individual’s attention if the organization had exercised due diligence. An organization exercises due diligence if it maintains reasonable routines for communicating significant information to the person conducting the transaction and there is reasonable compliance with the routine. Due diligence does not require an individual acting for the organization to communicate information unless such communication is part of his regular duties or unless he has reason to know of the transaction and that the transaction would be materially affected by the information.

(2) Subrogation

Where, under local law, one person is subrogated to the rights of another with respect to a lien or interest, such person shall be subrogated to such rights for purposes of any lien imposed by section
6321 or
6324.

(3) Forfeitures

For purposes of this subchapter, a forfeiture under local law of property seized by a law enforcement agency of a State, county, or other local governmental subdivision shall relate back to the time of seizure, except that this paragraph shall not apply to the extent that under local law the holder of an intervening claim or interest would have priority over the interest of the State, county, or other local governmental subdivision in the property.

(4) Cost-of-living adjustment

In the case of notices of liens imposed by section
6321 which are filed in any calendar year after 1998, each of the dollar amounts under paragraph (4) or (7) of subsection (b) shall be increased by an amount equal to—

(A)such dollar amount, multiplied by

(B)the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section
1(f)(3) for the calendar year, determined by substituting “calendar year 1996” for “calendar year 1992” in subparagraph (B) thereof.

If any amount as adjusted under the preceding sentence is not a multiple of $10, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $10.

(j) Withdrawal of notice in certain circumstances

(1) In general

The Secretary may withdraw a notice of a lien filed under this section and this chapter shall be applied as if the withdrawn notice had not been filed, if the Secretary determines that—

(A)the filing of such notice was premature or otherwise not in accordance with administrative procedures of the Secretary,

(B)the taxpayer has entered into an agreement under section
6159 to satisfy the tax liability for which the lien was imposed by means of installment payments, unless such agreement provides otherwise,

(C)the withdrawal of such notice will facilitate the collection of the tax liability, or

(D)with the consent of the taxpayer or the National Taxpayer Advocate, the withdrawal of such notice would be in the best interests of the taxpayer (as determined by the National Taxpayer Advocate) and the United States.

Any such withdrawal shall be made by filing notice at the same office as the withdrawn notice. A copy of such notice of withdrawal shall be provided to the taxpayer.

(2) Notice to credit agencies, etc.

Upon written request by the taxpayer with respect to whom a notice of a lien was withdrawn under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall promptly make reasonable efforts to notify credit reporting agencies, and any financial institution or creditor whose name and address is specified in such request, of the withdrawal of such notice. Any such request shall be in such form as the Secretary may prescribe.

Subsec. (b)(10). Pub. L. 105–206, § 3435(b), in heading substituted “Deposit-secured loans” for “Passbook loans”, and in text struck out “, evidenced by a passbook,” after “other account” and substituted period at end for “and if such institution has been continuously in possession of such passbook from the time the loan is made.”

1988—Subsec. (f)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 100–647, § 1015(s)(1)(A), inserted exception that State law merely conforming to or reenacting Federal law establishing a national filing system does not constitute a second office for filing as designated by the laws of such State.

1978—Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 95–600, § 702(q)(1), in heading substituted “Indexing required with respect to certain real property” for “Index” and in text inserted provisions relating to the validity of a deed, under the laws of the State in which the real property is located, as against a purchaser who does not have actual notice or knowledge of the existence of such deed and provisions relating to the maintenance of an adequate system for the public indexing of Federal tax liens.

Subsec. (g)(2)(A), (B). Pub. L. 94–455, §§ 1906(b)(13)(A),
2008(c)(2), required the fact of refiling be entered and recorded in an index in accordance with subsec. (f)(4), and struck out “or his delegate” after “Secretary” wherever appearing.

1966—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–719redesignated as subsec. (a) that part of former subsec. (a) which preceded pars. (1) to (3) thereof, and, in subsec. (a) as so redesignated, substituted holder of a security interest, mechanic’s lienor, and judgment lien creditor for mortgagee, pledgee, and judgment creditor, struck out reference to an exception provided in subsecs. (c) and (d), and inserted reference to requirements of subsec. (f).

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 89–493substituted the Recorder of Deeds of the District of Columbia for the clerk of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 89–719redesignated provisions of subsec. (c)(1) assubsec. (b)(1) and substituted “holder of a security interest” for “mortgagee and pledgee” and purchaser of such security interest for purchaser of such security for any adequate and full consideration in money or money’s worth.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 89–719redesignated provisions of subsec. (d)(1) assubsec. (b)(2) and substituted purchaser of such motor vehicle for purchaser of such motor vehicle for an adequate and full consideration in money or money’s worth and substituted actual notice or knowledge for notice or knowledge.

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 89–719redesignated provisions of former subsec. (b) assubsec. (f)(3) and substituted provisions that the form and content of the notice be prescribed by the Secretary or his delegate for provisions limiting the effectiveness of the notice to situations in which the notice is in such form as would be valid if filed with the clerk of the United States district court when state or territory law fails to designate an office for the filing of notice.

Amendment by section 1102(d)(1)(A) ofPub. L. 105–206effective July 22, 1998, see section 1102(f)(1) ofPub. L. 105–206, set out as a note under section
7803 of this title.

Pub. L. 105–206, title III, § 3435(c),July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 761, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [July 22, 1998].”

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–168, title V, § 501(d),July 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 1461, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section
6343 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [July 30, 1996].”

“(1) taxes assessed after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 5, 1990], and

“(2) taxes assessed on or before such date if the period specified in section 6502 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (determined without regard to the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending section
6502 of this title]) for collection of such taxes has not expired as of such date.”

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–647, title I, § 1015(s)(2),Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3573, provided that: “The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 10, 1988].”

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, § 1569(b),Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2764, provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 22, 1986].”

“(A) The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply with respect to liens, other security interests, and other interests in real property acquired after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 6, 1978].

“(B) If, after the date of the enactment of this Act, there is a change in the application (or nonapplication) of section 6323(f)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [formerly I.R.C. 1954] (as amended by paragraph (1)) with respect to any filing jurisdiction, such change shall apply only with respect to liens, other security interests, and other interests in real property acquired after the date of such change.”

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by section 1202(h)(2) ofPub. L. 94–455effective Jan. 1, 1977, see section 1202(i) ofPub. L. 94–455, set out as a note under section
6103 of this title.

“(a) General Rule.—Except as otherwise provided, the amendments made by this title [enacting sections
3505,
7425,
7426, and
7810 of this title, amending this section, sections
545,
6322,
6324,
6325,
6331,
6332,
6334,
6335,
6337,
6338,
6339,
6342,
6343,
6502,
6503,
6532,
7402,
7403,
7421,
7424,
7505,
7506, and
7809 of this title, and section 270a of former Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, redesignating former section
7425 as
7427 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section
7424 of this title] shall apply after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 2, 1966], regardless of when a lien or a title of the United States arose or when the lien or interest of any other person was acquired.

“(b) Exceptions.—The amendments made by this title shall not apply in any case—

“(1) in which a lien or a title derived from enforcement of a lien held by the United States has been enforced by a civil action or suit which has become final by judgment, sale, or agreement before the date of enactment of this Act; or

“(2) in which such amendments would—

“(A) impair a priority enjoyed by any person (other than the United States) holding a lien or interest prior to the date of enactment of this Act;

“(B) operate to increase the liability of any such person; or

“(C) shorten the time for bringing suit with respect to transactions occurring before the date of enactment of this Act.

“(c) Liability for Withheld Taxes.—

“(1) The amendments made by section
105(a) (relating to effect on third parties) [adding section
3505 of this title] shall apply only with respect to wages paid on or after January 1, 1967.

“(2) The amendments made by section
105(b) (relating to performance bonds of contractors for public buildings or works) [amending section 270a of former Title 40] shall apply to contracts entered into pursuant to invitations for bids issued after June 30, 1967.”

Pub. L. 89–493, § 21,July 5, 1966, 80 Stat. 266, provided that: “This Act [amending this section] shall take effect on the first day of the first month which is at least ninety days after the date of approval of this Act [July 5, 1966].”

Effective Date of 1964 Amendment

Pub. L. 88–272, title II, § 236(d),Feb. 26, 1964, 78 Stat. 128, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section
6324 of this title] shall apply only with respect to purchases made after the date of the enactment of this Act [Feb. 26, 1964.]”